One of the most common faults people in the UK experience with their boiler is a frozen pipe. The cold weather, even when all precautions are taken, can sometimes get the better of our pipes. There are a number of ways this may affect our home. The most drastic being a burst pipe. Even if the pipe does not burst, when it freezes, your boiler will stop itself from igniting and you will be left without hot water.
There are a few pipes that may be affected by the low temperatures. While it is beneficial to be familiar with each of them, one pipe that often suffers from freezing is the condensation pipe. The majority of modern boilers are equipped with this pipe because they are condensation boilers. These are now standard within homes due to their greater energy efficiency over older, non-condensing boilers.
Of the pipes that make up your boiler, there will be a small, plastic pipe leading away from your central system. Other pipes benefit from being metal, typically made of steel, while the condensation pipe must be plastic due to its resistance against the corrosive wastewater that passes through.
The pipe collects the byproduct water that your boiler produces. Similar to the system of a kitchen sink, the water will collect in increments before being discharged. This is to avoid a small and regular flow of water that would be far more susceptible to freezing. The pipe will also run downwards, at a slight angle, to restrict the water flow returning upward leading to possible contamination of your boiler. The incline also works against the build-up of condensation within the pipe that may also make it prone to freezing.
Despite the clever design of the system, it may still encounter issues. Unexpectedly cold weather may trigger ice within the pipe. Oftentimes, homeowners do not realise that the pipe may run outside or through a colder area of their home, leading to an unexpected freeze. If this occurs in your home, there is no need to panic. As a safety measure, your boiler will fail to switch on, preventing any further issue. During this time you can search for the frozen pipe yourself. If you manage to identify the frozen area, simply take warmed water to the pipe and remove the icy build up. Once the water is able to flush through the system again, your boiler function will return.
If you do experience a persistent issue or a major fault, such as a burst pipe, then it is recommended that you seek out professional assistance. The most reputable Boiler Installation and Repair Services in Bournemouth will not only repair your boiler efficiently but they will also walk you through your home system so that you can take preventative measures to better avoid faults in future. The awareness of how your home plumbing works will save you time and money, as well as helping you to steer clear of any cold nights.
